Harry Potter fever hits city!

By Hindustan Times

Mumbai, July 8 -- It's a bittersweet time for Harry Potter fans around the world. On one hand, the last of the Harry Potter film series that has gripped audiences for the last decade is about to hit theatres, and on the other, this marks the end of the magical journey.

But there is a reason to rejoice. A city multiplex is screening all the seven Harry Potter films back-to-back to rejuvenate memories and prepare fans for the grand finale on July 15 in India.

Not just that, Harry Potter fanatics can even watch both the parts of the last film, The Deathly Hallows, back-to-back on July 13. "Harry Potter is one of the biggest franchises, which is why Warner Bros gave us exclusive permission to organise this fest in India," says Shalu Sabharwal, vice president, sale and marketing, PVR Cinemas.

The festival will be on in Bangalore, New Delhi and Mumbai, and the shows have been scheduled in the evening. "We have not compromised on the timings and have given them prime slots between 7 pm and 7.45 pm in Mumbai," adds Sabharwal. "We have already got a lot of enquiries because this is the last chance for all those people who have missed any film to watch it on the big screen."

The screenings started on Thursday and will culminate with the finale marathon on July 13. The series includes Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001), Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005), Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007), Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 and 2 (2010 and 2011).

Though season passes for the entire festival did not work out as a favourable option, those interested can buy tickets for all the screenings, including the finale, in advance. The festival is on at PVR Phoenix Mills, Lower Parel.